SANDALWOOD Learn the Calming Benefits of Sandalwood After a long busy day, settling in with a relaxing massage or aromatherapy treatment could be all you need to release stress and tension and give your mind a boost.  Essential oils have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and Sandalwood is among the many oils that can make you feel more relaxed within seconds; it also has a number of health and skin benefits.  Sandalwood can be combined with other essential oils to make a massage oil or herbal treatment, and has been used as incense for meditation or for religious ceremonies for thousands of years.

WHAT IS SANDALWOOD?

Sandalwood is derived from the Sandalwood tree, a native tree to South India.  The oil is rich, slightly sweet and very aromatic, and can be especially soothing and relaxing when inhaled.  The oil and scent has a reputation as an aphrodisiac because the scent is very similar to the alpha androsterol pheromone.  Sandalwood has been used as a sedative, astringent, antidepressant and can also provide relief from congestion.  However, it also has a number of skin benefits and has the power to enhance well-being.

HOW SANDALWOOD BENEFITS THE SKIN

Sandalwood is also a natural anti-inflammatory and contains several emollient compounds and moisturizing properties. If you are suffering from dry, scaly or itchy skin after the long winter, applying some Sandalwood oil or products made with sandalwood oil directly to the skin can help to replenish lost moisture.
Several natural and organic skincare and spa products contain sandalwood because it has several therapeutic benefits.  Sandalwood is available as an essential oil and is also found in:

soap shampoos

conditioners scalp treatments

Sandalwood can be combined with Palmarosa and Myrrh for even more skin healing benefits.  Many skincare products that contain a combination of these ingredients are especially valuable when making a body butter or for use as an intensive moisturizer after a full body exfoliation.

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF SANDALWOOD

Ayurvedic doctors and herbalists contend that sandalwood has many emotional benefits as well.  It can promote sensitivity and serenity, making you feel relaxed but clear-headed, calm and focused.  If you are suffering from bouts of anxiety or high levels of stress, simply inhaling some sandalwood oil can help relax the mind, slow down breathing and restore a sense of peace and harmony.

SANDALWOOD RECIPES

Whether you’re suffering from worry, insomnia, anxiety or a sore throat, you can mix sandalwood with a number of other essential oils to create a customized treatment.

• Relaxation Blend:  1 drop Sandalwood, 4 drops Lavender, 1 drop Benzoin and 2 drops Tangerine

• Sore Throat Relief:  6 drops Sandalwood in a bowl of warm water; use a wet cloth as a compress on the chest and throat to relieve discomfort

• Sleep:  10 drops Chamomile, 15 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Lemon; can be used as an essential oil for massage, or simply inhaled from a wet or damp cloth for instant anxiety relief

• Focus: Combine equal drops of Sandalwood, Frankincense and Bergamot for mental clarity and relaxation

• Relaxation Bath: 6 drops each of Sandalwood, Lavender and Chamomile in a warm bath

• Sweet Dreams:  10 drops each Sandalwood, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang and Frankincense in a warm bath before bed for ultimate relaxation and a good night’s rest.

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Article Written By: Sabah Karimi; Sabah is a busy writer from Orlando, Fla., who is passionate about writing on health and fitness, beauty, fashion and style tips, spa and travel topics. She now uses her expertise as a freelance writer to contribute to both DivaVillage.com and VillageMAMA.com.